Stuttering – التأتأة

What is Stuttering?

Stuttering is not an illness or a disease. It is a disability that affects the flow of words when someone is talking.

What age groups are associated with stuttering the most?

Stuttering may occur before the age of three years. In general, however, it is detected between the ages of three and six years; and there is a possibility of it starting until the age of ten years. Rarely seen after this age.

It is very important to note that one single incident cannot alone trigger stuttering. Predisposing conditions include:

– Delayed linguistic or verbal development,
– Disorder at the level of breathing and sound coordination,
– A problem in the nervous system,
– A flaw at the level of emotional make-up.

What factors cause stuttering?

Factors that may trigger stuttering include:

Regular events that the child experiences differently that his or her cohorts, such as:

– The birth of a brother or sister, or
– Moving to a new home, or
– Being admitted to a hospital.

Or more severe incidents, such as:

– Death of a family member, or
– A car accident, or
– A fire.

Can a child stop stuttering?

When stuttering starts at an early age, it often ends without treatment and without leaving any trace. But if diagnosed at the age of four or more, it is usually stays with the child as he or she is growing up.

Does it make a difference if stuttering is diagnosed early?

Early diagnosis is very important because it may possible for the child to stop stuttering especially after determining factors that lead to it and their significance.

What should we do in the case a child stutters?

Difficulty in pronunciation needs:

– Pay attention to what the child wants to say.
– Proposing a word instead of the word that she or he wants to say.
– Asking questions about what the child wants to say and suggesting some answers.

We must avoid:

– Mocking the child, or
– Telling the child to control himself or herself,
– Giving tips (speak slowly, breathe, ask to repeat the word, think before speaking …),
– Showing indifference as if things are going well,
– Showing that one is annoyed or upset …

Is there a way to help a child stop stuttering? An approach?

There are several strategies to help a child overcome stuttering at different age; in addition to breathing exercises. However, this requires some time and regularity. In some cases, there is a role for psychotherapy if the child suffers from psychological problems or stress. Communication and cooperation between speech and language specialists and psychologists is often necessary.